What is the Youth Advisory Council?
The YAC is a group of young people age 16-24 who are taking on a leadership and advocacy role in Washington County.
This first-of-its-kind partnership with Washington County gives youth a chance to become advocates for mental and behavioral health in their community.
The young people on the council are providing input, contributing ideas, and actively participating in advising county leaders. They are addressing policy, advocating for youth issues, and helping evolve programs to educate youth and those who support youth on behavioral and mental health issues.
What does the YAC do?
Spreads awareness through social media
The council has created a brand new Instagram account, sharing mental health information and advice from a youth perspective.
See the most recent posts below.
Events
Are you hosting a resource fair, a walk, or any other type of community event?
The YAC can table at your event, and share mental health resources!
Presentations
If you are looking for a youth mental health presentation at your school/workplace/church, you can bring in the YAC!
We can do an Ending the Silence presentation, or can collaborate on other ideas.
Simone
My name is Simone Boleyn and I am in high school! I am the president and founder of the psychology club at my school, and I am part of a group that mentors 8th graders. In my free time I like to read and play the electric guitar! I am super passionate about erasing the stigma behind teen mental health, and helping teens in my community truly feel heard. I can’t wait to hear back from my community and help those around me with their mental health!
Alex
Alex (they/he) moved to the Portland Metro area in 2022 and has since then dedicated a significant portion of their time to volunteer work and the betterment of their community. They worked as an intern at Camp Yakety Yak in 2025. He has since attended Mountainside High School and graduated from FLEX Online School. Alex is attending Portland State University majoring in Psychology.
Who is the YAC?
Hope
Hope (she/her) is native to Washington County. In her free time, she likes to create art, listen to music, and cook. She is an incoming student at Lewis & Clark College where she plans to major in Sociology & Anthropology and minor in Gender Studies. She was part of the Beaverton School District from Kindergarten through her Senior year of High School. Hope graduated from Mountainside High School and Early College High School in 2026, where she earned an Associate Degree, Valedictorian, and Women’s Studies Focus Award. With the Washington County Youth Advisory Council, Hope intends to apply perspectives relating to her studies including intersectionality and feminism.
Alveena
Hi everyone, I'm Alveena (she/her), though most people call me Vee (she/her). Because of my own personal journey, I am deeply committed to mental health advocacy, focusing particularly on youth and reform in schools.
In my spare time, I like to watch TV, read books, and go for walks. I am proud to be a member of the NAMI Washington County Youth Advisory Council.
The latest from the YAC
Social media can be a harmful place for youth, but it can also be a supportive place for information and community.
The YAC is making its own space to share mental health wisdom, created for young people, by young people.
Follow the YAC
How can we help youth mental health?
Recommendations from youth, for youth
NAMI National gathered 50 youth and young adult mental health advocates from across the country to develop recommendations for the youth mental health crisis. These recommendations are based on their own experiences as students.
Key recommendations:
Culturally Responsive Approaches: Investing in approaches to mental health that are tailored to unique cultures expands access and builds trust. By developing culturally responsive approaches, stigma could be reduced, leading to higher chances for early intervention.
Youth Leadership and Peer Support: While adults at mental health organizations have the best interests of youth in mind, it’s vital to involve youth. Funding and promoting peer-led initiatives and including youth in decision-making can make a big difference in developing effective programs.
Mental Health Education: Youth need to be equipped with the tools to identify mental health conditions and talk about how they’re feeling from a young age. Incorporating mental health literacy into school curriculum can help increase chances for early intervention.
Advocate for Policy and System Changes: As policymakers and legislators make decisions about how to fund mental health resources and education, include youth in outreach. When youth are given the opportunity to advocate, initiatives to address the youth mental health crisis can be stronger.
Looking for support?
There are many places to find support if you or a young person in your life is struggling.
The Oregon YouthLine is available 24 hours a day at 877-968-8491
The National Teen Line is available from 6-10pm at 800-852-8336
The Trevor Project provides 24/7 support for LGBTQIA+ young people at 866-488-7386
